Check for New Development in your local area

With recent changes to planning laws and processes, the government is driving new housebuilding across England. Explore where development is likely to be earmarked in your local area—before any planning applications are submitted.

Local Search vs Oxlow Development Search

Understanding Development: What You Need to Know Before Buying a Home

Development is a complex, long-term process. A planning application is actually one of the final steps in getting a development approved. Long before that point, several key stages help determine if and where development is likely to happen.

These include assessing:

  • Housing Targets
  • 5-Year Land Supply
  • SHLAA (Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment)
  • Local Development Plans (LDP)
  • Local Constraints
Often, these steps begin years before a formal planning application is submitted.

The standard local search that homebuyers purchase through their conveyancer typically only covers submitted planning applications and adopted local plans. It also lacks detail on the location and extent of these plans.

What Makes an Oxlow Development Search Different?

Our search goes further—providing detailed mapping and insights into where future development is earmarked. This means you’ll have a much clearer picture of what’s planned in the surrounding area before you commit to buying a property.

While no development prediction is 100% certain—plans can and do change due to shifting policies or political decisions— our search uses the most reliable indicators currently available. It’s the best foundation for making an informed choice about your future home.

What our Oxlow Development Search covers:


01.

Planning Data

We provide details on live planning applications—both approved and refused—within the surrounding area. This includes insights such as the number of housing units proposed, giving you an overview of nearby development activity.

02.

Site Allocations

Allocated sites are areas identified by the local authority as suitable for future development, often before any formal planning application has been submitted. Our reports map these sites, outlining their proposed use (e.g., residential, commercial) and the number of units expected.

03.

SHLAA (Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment)

SHLAA is one of the earliest steps in the planning process. Local councils assess land that could be suitable for future development if adopted into a Local Development Plan. Sites are typically categorised as:

  • Positive – Likely to be developed
  • Neutral – May be developed depending on further review
  • Negative – Unlikely to be developed

We break this down clearly so you can see which nearby sites may be earmarked for housing in the coming years.

04.

Constraints Near the Site

Understanding what can’t be built on is just as important. We highlight key constraints that impact development potential, such as:

  • Green Belt land
  • Conservation areas
  • Article 4 directions
  • Flood risk zones
  • Other local and national designations
05.

Draft Local Plans & Allocations

Once SHLAA assessments are complete, councils prepare Draft Local Plans that outline proposed development sites across the area. These plans are subject to public consultation and may change before final adoption. Our reports identify these draft allocations— so you’re aware of potential future developments that haven’t yet been confirmed.

06.

Housing Targets & 5-Year Land Supply

A vital element of the planning system, housing targets and the 5-Year Housing Land Supply ensure councils are delivering enough homes to meet government-imposed demand. Where supply is lacking, councils are often forced to allocate more land, increasing the likelihood of new development—sometimes unexpectedly. We highlight whether your area meets this requirement and what that means for future growth.

Who uses our Reports?

Oxlow Development Searches are an affordable detailed expansion on Standard Local Search. They are produced for both Individual and Commercial use.


Contact us to discuss commercial rates for our reports.

Home Buyers

Pre-Purchase Search

Ideal for Homesbuyers to investigate potential development in the area.

House Surveyors

Surveys & Valuations

Protect your client and ensure they have all the information to make a decision.

Mortgage Advisors

Mortgages and Insurance

Ensure your clients have all the information when buying.

Solicitors Conveyancers

Legal Services

Expand on the Local Search Results to ensure you are protecting your client.

Buying a home? Order an Oxlow Development Search Today

One of the most expensive decisions you will make - do your research.

How Much Does It Cost?

As a special offer our Oxlow Development Search for home buyers is currently discounted to £45

Commercial Client? Please contact us today for Commercial rates.


Order Report

Contact Us

Oxlow Development Searches is part of the Promarks family. The trusted name in Property Market Research. Contact us today if you have any questions and one of our representatives will be happy to help.

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  • Email info@oxlow.co.uk

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